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EDITORS’ NOTES

From the retro-futuristic cover art by Stranger Things poster designer Kyle Lambert to lyrical themes of oppression, the trio’s eighth album, Simulation Theory, plays like an ’80s sci-fi flick. The opening set of songs lays out a bleak setting: “Algorithm” and “The Dark Side” are cries for help set against caterwauling synth-rock. Yet rather than wallow in despair, the band uses stirring oratory and a spectacular wall-of-sound to rise against systematic, technological and mental anguish. They rally the troops on “Thought Contagion”, “Dig Down” and “Get Up and Fight”, while “Something Human” shows that even a platinum-selling megaband needs a reassuring hug sometimes. The one Simulation Theory song that will surely inspire debate is “Propaganda”, the trio’s collaboration with producer Timbaland. On it, lead singer Matt Bellamy locks into a sexy falsetto while Timbaland puts his foot (and a slide guitar) into the track. Will longtime Muse fans accept a Timberlake-like pure-pop turn from Bellamy? It’s a tipping point but one that was inevitable; after exploring darkness on Drones, The 2nd Law and The Resistance, Simulation Theory shows the band embracing fresh styles. The Deluxe Version also includes acoustic, gospel and “alternative reality” versions of five tracks.

EDITORS’ NOTES

From the retro-futuristic cover art by Stranger Things poster designer Kyle Lambert to lyrical themes of oppression, the trio’s eighth album, Simulation Theory, plays like an ’80s sci-fi flick. The opening set of songs lays out a bleak setting: “Algorithm” and “The Dark Side” are cries for help set against caterwauling synth-rock. Yet rather than wallow in despair, the band uses stirring oratory and a spectacular wall-of-sound to rise against systematic, technological and mental anguish. They rally the troops on “Thought Contagion”, “Dig Down” and “Get Up and Fight”, while “Something Human” shows that even a platinum-selling megaband needs a reassuring hug sometimes. The one Simulation Theory song that will surely inspire debate is “Propaganda”, the trio’s collaboration with producer Timbaland. On it, lead singer Matt Bellamy locks into a sexy falsetto while Timbaland puts his foot (and a slide guitar) into the track. Will longtime Muse fans accept a Timberlake-like pure-pop turn from Bellamy? It’s a tipping point but one that was inevitable; after exploring darkness on Drones, The 2nd Law and The Resistance, Simulation Theory shows the band embracing fresh styles. The Deluxe Version also includes acoustic, gospel and “alternative reality” versions of five tracks.

TITLE

TIME

Algorithm

4:05

The Dark Side

3:47

Pressure

3:55

Propaganda

3:00

Break It to Me

3:37

Something Human

3:46

Thought Contagion

3:26

Get Up and Fight

4:04

Blockades

3:50

Dig Down

3:48

The Void

4:44

Algorithm (Alternate Reality Version)

3:32

The Dark Side (Alternate Reality Version)

3:54

Propaganda (Acoustic Version)

2:58

Something Human (Acoustic Version)

3:46

Dig Down (Acoustic Gospel Version)

3:57

16 Songs, 1 Hour

Released: 9 Nov 2018

℗ 2018, Muse under exclusive licence to Warner Music UK Limited with the exception of track 10 2017, Muse under exclusive licence to Warner Music UK

Ratings and Reviews

4.1 out of 5

103 Ratings

103 Ratings

wicky wacky 42
,30/08/2018

Best band of the 21st century

After hearing 4 songs from this album, it’s obvious Muse are going to deliver another exceptional collection of songs. Dark Side is my favourite song so far as it’s reminiscent of their earlier sound (primarily Origin of Symmetry, Absolution and Black Holes And Revelations) In my opinion, they are the most exquisite band of the last 18 years and I am always left in awe at their creativity and versatility. The progression and experimentation of their music is to be applauded. I have seen them in concert twice and they are the greatest live band I have ever seen. I’ll definitely be seeing them for a third time when they tour this album next year. They are the gift that keeps on giving and I’m proud to call myself a fan.

wicky wacky 42
,30/08/2018

Best band of the 21st century

After hearing 4 songs from this album, it’s obvious Muse are going to deliver another exceptional collection of songs. Dark Side is my favourite song so far as it’s reminiscent of their earlier sound (primarily Origin of Symmetry, Absolution and Black Holes And Revelations) In my opinion, they are the most exquisite band of the last 18 years and I am always left in awe at their creativity and versatility. The progression and experimentation of their music is to be applauded. I have seen them in concert twice and they are the greatest live band I have ever seen. I’ll definitely be seeing them for a third time when they tour this album next year. They are the gift that keeps on giving and I’m proud to call myself a fan.

C0NN0R 01
,30/08/2018

Awesome

Muse are back and from what I’ve heard so far, they are better than ever!

C0NN0R 01
,30/08/2018

Awesome

Muse are back and from what I’ve heard so far, they are better than ever!

MUSEquera
,26/09/2018

Back to the 80s FTW!

Pop, electronic, gospel, disco... in short, your typical Muse album, brimming with imagination, creativity, and a will to explore and (re)discover music forms and styles.

Can’t wait for the acoustic tracks!!!

MUSEquera
,26/09/2018

Back to the 80s FTW!

Pop, electronic, gospel, disco... in short, your typical Muse album, brimming with imagination, creativity, and a will to explore and (re)discover music forms and styles.